It was 101 years ago this month that my grandmother was placed in an adoptive home that offered her opportunity and promise. The original 1912 story in the Free Press showed a twinkle-eyed cherub, whose first five hours of life were that of an “ash barrel baby.” If it weren’t for a newspaper boy who heard her cries from an ash barrel, she would have not survived.

She was given an opportunity to live, develop and thrive with support and guidance. In this time of Thanksgiving, we have to live each day thankful for what we have, no matter how trivial or abstract.

This year, I am most thankful for that paper boy. Not only did he give my grandmother a second chance at life, but he provided me and my family an opportunity to live.